He will appear at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court in Crewe on Monday, March 13 via videolink.

by Andrew Cain

15:45, 7 Mar 2017Updated15:57, 7 Mar 2017

Barry Bennell

Former Crewe Alexandra youth coach Barry Bennell has been charged with non-recent child sexual abuse against two alleged victims.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced today that Bennell has been charged with eight counts of historical abuse against two boys and will appear at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court in Crewe on Monday, March 13 via videolink.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1980 and 1987 and the charges follow an investigation by officers from Cheshire Police.

In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: “Today, 7 March, former professional football coach Barry Bennell, 63, was informed that he has been charged with eight counts of non-recent child sexual abuse, following an investigation by Cheshire Police.

“He will appear via video link at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 March in relation to these charges.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell are live and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”